Dr Seuss Safari So Good! Book & DVD

In honor or Dr. Seuss’ birthday, My Kansas City Mommy checked out this great set The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That Safari So Good!  Book and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: Safari So Good DVD!

Safari So Good is an adorable book about African Wildlife. You are taken on an adventure to help the Cat in the Hat find the missing stripes from his hat. Check out how footprints are made, "hang around with monkeys too!  In Safari So Good the Cat in the Hat takes Sally and Nick to Africa–where else??  Did you know elephants favor one tusk over the other, or how to tell the difference between a black and white rhino, did you even know that they are both gray?  There is so much to learn in this fantastic book.

My kids love the Cat in the Hat series but we had not checked out Safari So Good. The 4 year old LOVED it, he is obsessed with reading and The Cat in the Hat is his "new favorite", my 9 year old loved reading it to him and said he thought the illustrations were great! As always you will find the same rhyming with any Dr Seuss book, which was very well done as always.  I am certain after listening to the boys reading and re-reading it (always a sign of a great book) that I learned more than they did, there are some great facts in this book.  The Safari So Good DVD topped it all off. It was the perfect length and we loved watching it all alive. It was a bit different than the book but just as good!

You can find the Safari So Good Book and Safari So Good DVD in retail stores and online for around $8-10, so if you want something great to do for Dr. Seuss' Birthday I would highly recommend checking this set out.

{Children's Book Review} God Gave Us Love - Board Book Edition - by Lisa T. Bergren

Life with a 16-month-old means lots of board book reading.  I'm not complaining.  I love reading, and I love passing on that love to my little man!  L is finally at the point of (sometimes) letting me read a whole story to him, so we are spending a lot of time with our noses in books.  Especially board books - since they can be wiped clean when grubby little graham cracker hands inevitably grab them.

One book that we are currently enjoying is God Gave Us Love by Lisa Tawn Bergren (illustrated by Laura J. Bryant).  This book is a follow-up to God Gave Us You, which introduces polar bear family (read my review here).


In this sweet little story, Little Cub is out on a fishing trip when he is upset because some otters swim by and scare the fish away.  Little Cub is angry, but his Grampa uses the time to instill a valuable lesson - that it's important to love everyone, even when circumstances aren't great.  Little Cub and Grampa have a meaningful conversation throughout the rest of the story about different kinds of love - and why it is important to love others. 

This is a great read to encourage little ones to have the right mindset about how to treat others.  We will definitely continue to revisit this story as L grows older!

You can find God Gave Us Love (board book edition) on Amazon.  Plus check out other titles in this collection - including the first book, God Gave Us You either in storybook form or board book!

Thanks to WaterBrook Press for my review sample.  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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Making Life Matter by Shane Stanford {Book Review}

How would you react if you received news that might steal your joy - for the rest of your life?

Author Shane Stanford shares his personal story in his new book, Making Life Matter: Embracing the Joy in the Everyday.  Stanford was diagnosed as HIV positive in 1986.  What could have been cause to give up has instead inspired the author to change the way he approaches life - and encourages the reader to pause for a look at their own everyday joy, as well.

The book is well-paced, though not intended to be read in one sitting.  It's not overly long - 151 pages - but each chapter concludes with a section featuring weekly scripture reading, life questions, and a prayer.  For me, it was a thought-provoking read.  It's so easy in our busy lives to be stuck in a "routine" and not stop to think about how everything could change - and consequently, how very important the everyday moments in our life actually are.

Are you ready to define your journey and seek out joy?  If so, this may be the book for you.

About the Author:

Shane Stanford is a pastor, author and teacher.  He is the Senior Pastor of Christ UMC in Memphis, TN, one of United Methodism’s largest and most influential congregations.

Shane is a former church planter as well as the Director/Host of the United Methodist Hour, a radio and television ministry airing in 30 million homes nationwide.

Shane is the author of eleven books including A Positive Life (Zondervan), The CURE for the Chronic Life (Abingdon), and Mosaic (Abingdon).

Shane has also written several articles published in such journals/magazines as Giving, CNNOnline, Alive, and The Circuit Rider.

Shane has appeared on numerous media programs including ABC’s Good Morning America and Fox & Friends.

Shane travels extensively sharing his story as an HIV positive hemophiliac and pastor.  He has presented at such venues as the Saddleback Global AIDS Summit and the National Civil Rights Museum.

He is married to Dr. Pokey Stanford (a Professor of Education) and they are the parents of three daughters, ages 14, 11, and 7.

Visit his website at www.shanestanford.com.  You can purchase Making Life Matter from Amazon.

Thank you to Pump Up Your Books and Abingdon Press for providing my review sample!  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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{Children's Book Review} The Princess Twins Books by Mona Hodgson

 If you have a little girl in your family, chances are that she may enjoy all things princess!  These new enchanting titles in the popular I Can Read! series may be right up their alley.  The Princess Twins Play in the Garden tells the story of Princess Abby and Princess Emma's playdate with their friends in the garden.  They ride ponies, have a tea party, play soccer, build sandcastles and more!  Princess Emma is worried about getting her pretty dress dirty, but ultimately realizes that it doesn't matter so much.  All of the friends have fun playing on the lovely day that God made! 

The Princess Twins and the Puppy follows Princess Abby and Princess Emma again, this time as they must find their missing puppy!  They search high and low throughout the castle to no avail.  Finally Abby decides they will brave the dark basement and says a prayer - since she is scared of the dark!  Their mission is ultimately successful, but young readers will definitely enjoy searching for Puppy along with the princesses!

The illustrations in both of these books and sweet and whimsical, and feature lots of pink and purple.  Undoubtedly, little girls will be excited to read these books again and again!

You can purchase The Princess Twins Play in the Garden and The Princess Twins and the Puppy on Amazon!

Thanks to Zonderkidz for my review sample.  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.


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{Children's Book Review} Little Lion's Bible & Little Lamb's Bible by P.J. Lyons

Just in time for Easter, Zonderkidz has released a pair of Bible story books that are sure to become favorites!  Little Lion's Bible and Little Lamb's Bible feature a soft and furry animal on their book covers - around my house, anything that has a different texture than "normal" is a big hit!  L loves to feel the furry Lion's mane and the Lamb's fuzzy ears.

The two titles feature the exact same stories (so you likely would not want to buy both, unless you are giving them as gifts to two children) - however, the Lion edition features a picture of the Lion on each page and the Lamb edition features a picture of a Lamb.

Each page holds one story with one illustration.  They are written for preschoolers in a rhyming verse.  Even L (13 months), who is constantly on the go, will sit and listen to a story or two!

Stories you will find in these editions include:
-Creation
-Noah's Ark
-Baby Moses
-David & Goliath
-Daniel in the Lion's Den
-Jonah and the Big Fish
-The Birth of Jesus
and many more!

Author P.J. Lyons and illustrator Melanie Mitchell have done an outstanding job of creating lovable little storybooks for the littlest listeners!  Overall, these books have been a big hit in our house and they would make a great addition to a preschooler's library!

You can purchase Little Lion's Bible and Little Lamb's Bible on Amazon (they are currently priced around 20% off).

Thanks to Zonderkidz for my review samples.  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya {Book Review}

The Beautiful Wife is a must-read for any Christian wife. The book covers many topics that are important to women - from beauty to money matters, communicating with your spouse to keeping romance in your marriage. The Beautiful Wife was written by Sandy Ralya.  Sandy is the founder of Beautiful Womanhood - a ministry aimed at helping mentor marriages. Many women have serious questions about marriage, and whether you have many or few struggles in your marriage, The Beautiful Wife will be an inspiring read. It is great for personal use or for a small book group - you can start a group in your church. The Beautiful Wife has two companion resources - Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide.

Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to
her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
• The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
• The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends
3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook
Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and
encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes:
gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or
small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the
evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends
via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of
winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing my review sample!  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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{Children's Book Review} Far Flutterby by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury has crafted a sweet children's story in Far Flutterby.  This hardcover edition is beautifully illustrated, and includes a glittery dust jacket (L loves to touch the glittery spots).  The story follows Cody the Caterpillar, as he squirms about his town called Better-than-Brown.  Cody wonders if there is more to life than just eating and inching and is about to give up hope.  But he is visited by some colorful characters who assure him that the waiting is worth it - someday he will join them in the land of Far Flutterby!  The illustrations by Jennifer A. Bell are full of whimsy and fun - beautiful color combinations.

Adults will see where the story is headed as Cody becomes enveloped in his cocoon and awaits his fate, but kids will stay intrigued from beginning to end.  The book is aimed at young readers (ages 4-7) and it moves along with a nice rhyming pace.  The book's design is a little confusing, as some of the illustrations and words are flipped on the side - you have to turn the book sideways to read a few of the pages.  Most kids will probably find this exciting.  For the little one who is learning about patience and waiting for dreams to come true, this book will be a definite encouragement. 

Far Flutterby is available for purchase on Amazon - currently priced at $10.87 (32% off).

Thanks to Zonderkidz for providing my review sample!  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.


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{Children's Book Review} Goodnight, Angels by Melody Carlson

Bestselling author Melody Carlson, who writes delightful children's books, is back with a new release: a sweet bedtime story for early readers!

Goodnight, Angels follows a little boy through his night-time routine, from the time he bids goodbye to his friends at the park, to his bedtime snack, his bubble bath, storytime with daddy, snuggles with mommy, and finally, his prayer at the very end of the day.  The book's rhyme scheme moves at a great pace and will keep little ones captivated - whether they are sleepy or not! 

Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp with muted colors and friendly faces, this book is sure to become a bedtime favorite for little ones.  The theme of thankfulness shines through the text, which adds a peaceful feeling as the story winds down.  This is a great book to encourage your kids to talk about what they have to be thankful for at the end of each day!

Goodnight, Angels is available right now on Amazon for $11.51 (28% off).

Thanks to Zonderkidz for providing my review sample.  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.


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{Book Review} Then Sings My Soul, Book 3 - A Hymn Collection

There is a great series of books available for those of you who may be interested in the history of some of the world's most beloved hymns: Then Sings My Soul.  The final installment in the trilogy, Book 3, differs from the first two in that it gives an overview of Christianity's history ranging from ancient to modern. This tome includes songs like "Victory in Jesus," "Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart," and "Shout to the Lord."

It is fascinating to learn the history of these songs!  "In Times Like These" is a beautiful melodic song. It was written by Ruth Caye Jones during World War II. The lyrics were based on 2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." According to her son, the lyrics and music came to her very spontaneously while she was ironing.

Another part of the book is the chapter entitled "The Real Story Behind 'It Is Well With My Soul.'" That song is included in the first volume, but here Morgan takes the story into much more depth. I highly recommend Then Sings My Soul Book 3.

This title is currently available for $13.17 (37% off) on Amazon - along with Book 1 and Book 2.  

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing my review sample and the giveaway prize!  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.



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The Berenstain Bears & the Easter Story + All Things Bright and Beautiful {Children's Book Review}

The Berenstain Bears are are back in a new tale that is perfect for Easter baskets! The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story finds Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear arrive at church on Easter morning, thinking about the the best kinds of candy.  Their Sunday school teacher invites them to watch a play that another class is performing - a play about the true meaning of Easter!  The cubs watch the Easter story unfold before their eyes and happily agree that Easter is not just about bunnies and candy (though candy is still okay). 

In The Berenstain Bears: All Things Bright and Beautiful, we get to visit Sunday School again with Brother and Sister Bear!  This time, their teacher takes all of her students out on an adventurous nature walk, all across Bear Country!  Brother and Sister are confused why a nature walk is something to do at church, but they soon realize that the world is filled with wonderful things that were made by God!

Both of these books are a delight!  The illustrations are cheery and little ones will ask to hear the stories over and over again.  Plus each book comes with a collection of coordinating stickers! I have always loved The Berenstain Bears and I am really glad that they are still thriving so that my son can grow up reading about Brother, Sister and all the rest!

The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story and The Berenstain Bears: All Things Bright and Beautiful are each currently priced at $4.99 on Amazon.

Thank you to Zonderkids for providing my review sample!s  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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{Children's Book Review} Hugs & Kisses, God by Allia Zobel Nolan

Hugs & Kisses, God: From Kids Around the World, by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan, was released in November 2011.  This little story is filled with whimsy, color, and fun lift-the-flap pages which allow kids to become even more involved in the book!

The rhyming text moves along at a nice little pace, reminding young readers and listeners that God is a friend - and someone to thank for all of the little things in life - whether they be fireflies, bubbles, or pancakes.  On each page, the illustrated children from around the world send hugs and kisses to God, in thanks, or just as a friend!  The beautiful illustrations by Miki Sakamoto give the story a delightful splash of color and light. 

My family loves this book and will likely be reading it for many years to come!  You can purchase Hugs & Kisses, God on Amazon, currently priced at $6.99.

Thanks to Zonderkidz for my review sample.  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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{Children's Book Review} The Beginner's Bible Book of Prayers

The Beginner's Bible: Book of Prayers is a title that I think will be frequently read in our home.

I am sometimes skeptical of books that contain pre-written prayers for kids, but this one is a delightful compilation.  The book contains twenty prayers.  Each short prayer is centered around a Bible story (ie, a prayer about Hard Work is used when Noah builds the ark; a prayer about Courage when David kills Goliath).  The illustrations will draw young listeners into the book - and each page contains a Bible verse to tie everything together.

The board book format is great for tiny listeners - like my 10-month-old, who mostly wants to chew on things!  Overall, this is a lovely little collection and worth reading with your little ones.

You can find The Beginner's Bible: Book of Prayers on Amazon - currently priced at $9.99.

Thanks to Zondervan for my review sample!  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.
 
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness Review + Giveaway

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness is a new book that offers readers 101 Inspirational Stories about Finding You Purpose, Passion, and Joy. The foreward, written by Deborah Norville (Inside Edition), starts off with a quote from Margaret Bowen - "Some people pursue happiness, others create it." Find Your Happiness is a follow-up to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive.

It's a new year - and a time to think about making changes for the better.  What are you doing to create happiness in your home - for your family and yourself?  Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness is an inspiring collection that may give you some great ideas of new ways to create joy in the lives of those around you.

One story in particular that made me stop and think was "It Was Nothing" by Deborah Shouse. The story is about the tendency of people to reply with "oh, it was nothing" when they are thanked, but in reality, it isn't nothing, but truly is something special. Helping someone out - whether by driving their kids around, giving them a rosebush, or helping them with a speech - can really affect you positively. Doing good does you good. That story is only one of the 101 wonderful stories in this touching tome.

Find Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive on Amazon!  

Giveaway       

Three My Kansas City Mommy readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness!  This giveaway will end on January 18 at 11:59 PM Central time.

{Children's Book Review} God Gave Us Two by Lisa T. Bergren

I am addicted to children's books.  Seriously.  I love them.  The best part?  L has finally decided that they might be interesting to look at (in addition to being something to chew on), so we are reading a lot more books these days.

One of our recent finds is God Gave Us Two by Lisa Tawn Bergren (illustrated by Laura J. Bryant).  This book is the follow-up to God Gave Us You, which introduces polar bear family (read my review here).


In this second title (first published in 2001), Little Cub - who once wondered about how her own arrival in the world - is now very curious about the new polar bear baby growing in Mama Bear's tummy!  Many concerns of new siblings are addressed: What if we don't like the new baby?  Can we send it back?  Do you still love me, too? Throughout the story, Mama and Papa Bear reassure Little Cub that she is still their precious child and that the new baby will just be another piece of their little family. 

Our family will not be introducing a new sibling in the near future, but I will definitely have this book ready when the time comes!  This title will be especially appropriate for families who have or are expecting twins - as in the end, it turns out that Mama Bear has not just one, but two new polar bear babies in her tummy!  This may be somewhat confusing to young listeners - be aware of the twist ending before you buy!

You can find God Gave Us Two on Amazon.  Plus check out other titles in this collection - including the first book, God Gave Us You either in storybook form or board book!

Thanks to WaterBrook Press for my review sample.  I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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{Children's Book Review} S is for Snowman - God's Wintertime Alphabet

S is for Snowman: God's Wintertime Alphabet, written by Kathy-Jo Wargin, is a fun, wintery book that will take you and your child from "A is for Angels" to "Z is for Zoom" (as in sledding)!  This book brings the alphabet to life through the basic rhymes and fun illustrations of all things winter.  Richard Johnson's illustrations are sweet and will definitely inspire little ones to have many winter adventures - whether they are outside in the snow or stuck indoors.  Christmas is featured in the story as well (Decorations, Evergreen, Gifts, etc). 

There are a lot of alphabet books out there, but this title is special since as is written with a Christian perspective - reminding children that all of those wonderful winter things are created by God and placed in the world for us to enjoy!

You can find S Is for Snowman on Amazon - plus check out the rest of Kathy-jo Wargin's alphabet book series: K is for Kite, P Is for Pumpkin, and F Is for Fireflies on Amazon.

Thank you to Zondervan for providing my review sample!  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson {Book Review}

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The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson, is a young adult historical fiction novel.  This book is a follow-up to Dickerson's last release, The Healer's Apprentice (read my review here). 

This book is set in medieval England and tells the story of young Annabel Chapman, whose wealthy father has died and left her family in great debt.  Somewhat reminiscent of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale, the story moves along as Annabel is forced to move away from home and live as an indentured servant for the mysterious Lord le Wyse.  Annabel's story is told at a lovely pace - neither too fast or slow, and while elements are predictable (due to the fairytale element), there are also enough twists and turns to keep the reader in suspense until the end.  This was a very fast read for me!

I enjoyed this book more than the first release from author Melanie Dickerson and look forward to future titles!  I am a fairytale aficionado, so I can't wait to see what tale is woven next.

The Merchant's Daughter is currently available on Amazon for $9.99.

Thanks to Zondervan for providing my review sample.  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson {Book Review}

The Healer's Apprentice, by Melanie Dickerson, is a young adult historical fiction novel.  Set in the year 1386, readers are taken on a journey with Rose, who is a healer’s apprentice in the town of Hagenheim.  The story loosely follows the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.  Rose is not a very talented apprentice, but finds herself caring for Lord Hamlin when he is injured.  The two fall in love, but since he is betrothed to the mysterious Lady Salomea, neither can express their feelings.  Rose becomes acquainted with Lord Hamlin's brother Rupert, which adds a bit of a love triangle to the story.

The book has a definite Christian emphasis, which I find refreshing in young adult fiction - though I was not entirely convinced at the climactic ending scene which involves the casting out of demons.  This last part did not seem to entirely fit with the rest of the romantic story and left me a little confused.

I do enjoy reading young adult fiction and this book successfully drew me into the story.  Some points of the plot were predictable, while others seemed a little out of context for the fairy tale - but that is the beauty of fiction and I give points to the author for giving something unexpected!

The Healer's Apprentice is currently available on Amazon for $9.99.

Thanks to Zondervan for providing my review sample.  I received no compensation and all views expressed are my own.

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